Lake Blackshear, Georgia, USA

One of the best-kept secrets in southwest Georgia is Lake Blackshear. Conveniently located two hours south of Atlanta and 99 miles from Florida off I-75, Lake Blackshear is a sports paradise for residents and visitors alike. The lake was created in 1930 by damming of the Flint River to provide low-cost power to the citizens of Crisp County, Georgia. It was the first county in the nation to own and operate its own electrical power plant.

Water sports enthusiasts and anglers need not look any further. Since its creation, Lake Blackshear has become the most popular recreational and fishing lake in southwest Georgia. Along its banks are many full-time and weekend homes. Water skiers and boaters alike roam its waters, while anglers fish picture-perfect moss draped trees.

Adjacent to Lake Blackshear is the 1300-acre Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, established as a permanent memorial to the U.S. Veterans who served, fought, and died for freedom. The park features a museum with aircraft, armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. It also includes a championship 18 hole golf course (rated four stars by Golf Digest), overnight lodging, cabins, restaurant, spacious conference center, swimming pool, and beach nature trails.

For the avid angler, several varieties of game fish normally found in lakes in southwest Georgia can be found in Lake Blackshear. These include various species of bass, sunfish, perch, crappie, and catfish. Each year the lake is the site of national bass fishing tournaments that bring participants from all over the nation. Impressive crowds along the shores of Lake Blackshear attend these tournaments each year.

For hunting enthusiasts, there is access to some of the finest quail, deer, turkey, and dove hunting available at the numerous plantations in the area. And for a change of pace, hop in your car for a quick trip to Albany, Georgia and visit the Parks at Chehaw Wild Animal Park and the Flint Riverquarium. You will also want to ride a unique excursion train to historical sites such as "Jimmy Carter Country" in Plains. Make it a day of sightseeing and fun for the kids and adults alike.

Lake Blackshear is a recreational wonderland for fishing, water skiing, camping, picnicking, and nature viewing. And if you want to make your stay more permanent, you will join others who have made Lake Blackshear their second home. Half of all residences are second home buyers who indeed have discovered this best-kept secret.